New Pre-loved Clothing Shop Opens at Barnsley College

The College has officially opened ‘Reloved Boutique’, a pre-loved clothing shop, at an exclusive launch event held on Tuesday 5 November.

Reloved Boutique is an educational initiative based at Barnsley College’s Old Mill Lane campus. It will provide a supportive, hands-on learning environment specifically designed for the Learning for Living and Work students who have learning difficulties and disabilities. The boutique goes beyond traditional classroom learning by offering real-world skill-building in a vibrant, welcoming setting.

The shop was officially opened by Barnsley College Vice Principal Students, Hayley Allsopp, and was attended by guests including dignitaries, Barnsley Councillors, James Higginbottom and Kevin Osbourne, students and employees. All were able to browse the vast range of pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories that are available to purchase.

Hayley said: “I was honoured to officially open Reloved Boutique! It looks absolutely fantastic. It’s such a great initiative for our students and staff to get involved in and really supports the College’s sustainability agenda too.

“It will allow our Learning for Living and Work students to use this space to develop their employability skills and gain confidence that will help them to progress into employment in the future.”

Nicola Thomson-Dewey, Head of Learning for Living and Work department at Barnsley College, added: “I’m really excited to open Reloved Boutique, as it will allow opportunities for our students to improve a number of key employability skills including teamwork, communication and time management.

“The shop provides opportunities for students to develop their English and Maths skills, empowering them to manage tasks like counting cash, calculating discounts, writing receipts and maintaining basic records — skills that can be challenging to learn in a typical classroom setting but essential for independent living.

“When students are working in the boutique, they will learn how to process customer orders, handle payments and provide helpful and friendly customer service; all key competencies that build interpersonal skills, patience and the confidence to interact effectively with the public. Through this interactive approach, students are laying the groundwork for a range of jobs for the future.”

Jessica Oliver, one of the department instructors who organised the boutique setup, commented: “The project will have a long-lasting positive impact on the students and prepare them for a transition into the workforce, making the Reloved Boutique a truly special, effective learning experience.”

Reloved Boutique is open to the public on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9.30am – 3.30pm and Friday, 9.30am – 1.00pm.

An online option with items in the shop will be available to shop via the Vinted app with the name ‘relovedboutiquelflw’.

For more information about the Reloved Boutique, visit www.barnsley.ac.uk/relovedboutique, email lflwadmin@barnsley.ac.uk or call 01226 216 357.